Published: Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 25, 2008 at 11:31 p.m.

Kerry Kennedy, owner and artist at Fire Horse Studio throws pottery in preparation for her trip to Pennsic War, in Slippery Rock Pennsylvania Pennsic War is an annual medieval gathering of members of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA is an international organization which researches and re-creates the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe. Kennedy, who participates in about six similar events each year, sells her pottery to guests in attendance at these events. Kennedy is also an art teacher at Cottondale Elementary School, and a studio artist at Kentuck. Kennedy will be offering pottery classes in the fall through the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority.

(Robert Sutton/ Tuscaloosa News)

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For the eighth year, she will participate as a merchant in the Society for Creative Anachronism's annual Pennsic War, which began Friday and continues through Aug. 10 in Slippery Rock, Pa.

'I'm there because I love it. I can leave behind the stress of the day. Everyone is who they want to be,' said Kennedy, who teaches art at Cottondale Elementary School and is a professional potter and owner of Fire Horse Studio.

Thousands of society members will gather to bring the Renaissance era and the rest of the Middle Ages to life.

Kennedy will sell her medieval pottery in the marketplace, which will be filled with other merchants practicing their crafts.

Among those crafts will be costuming, embroidery, calligraphy, illumination, woodworking, glass blowing, blacksmithing and gem cutting.

The event features a 'war' between the kingdoms of the East and the Middle of the society and will include battles, tournaments, archery, stage performances and dancing.

Kennedy said she spends all year preparing for the event.

In addition to providing plates, goblets, bowls and jugs for the Pennsic War, Kennedy will also build a pottery kiln out of dirt on site and create medieval-style pieces for people to buy.

She said she participates in about six similar events each year.

Kennedy said the high demand for her pottery inspires her to continually create.

'I sell a lot of things,' she said. 'It has been a very good supplement and has compelled me to get better at my craft.'

Pottery provides Kennedy with a way to combine her art with her interest in history.

With every project she takes on, Kennedy researches new and archaic forms of pottery for inspiration. She said that creating work for the Pennsic War allows her to perfect her talent for old-fashioned pottery, but she also hopes to develop more contemporary styles.

She will take with her more than 500 pieces in more than a dozen different designs to the event. Kennedy said she is most proud of an Arabic mold that she created for souvenir mugs that symbolize pilgrimage.

Kennedy said she doesn't stick to making exact replicas of medieval-style pottery and has more fun with her designs.

She is also a studio artist at Kentuck and will offer pottery classes in the fall through Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority.

<p>Cottondale school teacher Kerry Kennedy has packed up her medieval pottery for a trip back to the past.</p><p>For the eighth year, she will participate as a merchant in the Society for Creative Anachronism's annual Pennsic War, which began Friday and continues through Aug. 10 in Slippery Rock, Pa. </p><p>'I'm there because I love it. I can leave behind the stress of the day. Everyone is who they want to be,' said Kennedy, who teaches art at Cottondale Elementary School and is a professional potter and owner of Fire Horse Studio. </p><p>Thousands of society members will gather to bring the Renaissance era and the rest of the Middle Ages to life.</p><p>Kennedy will sell her medieval pottery in the marketplace, which will be filled with other merchants practicing their crafts.</p><p>Among those crafts will be costuming, embroidery, calligraphy, illumination, woodworking, glass blowing, blacksmithing and gem cutting. </p><p>The event features a 'war' between the kingdoms of the East and the Middle of the society and will include battles, tournaments, archery, stage performances and dancing. </p><p>Kennedy said she spends all year preparing for the event. </p><p>In addition to providing plates, goblets, bowls and jugs for the Pennsic War, Kennedy will also build a pottery kiln out of dirt on site and create medieval-style pieces for people to buy. </p><p>She said she participates in about six similar events each year.</p><p>Kennedy said the high demand for her pottery inspires her to continually create. </p><p>'I sell a lot of things,' she said. 'It has been a very good supplement and has compelled me to get better at my craft.' </p><p>Pottery provides Kennedy with a way to combine her art with her interest in history.</p><p>With every project she takes on, Kennedy researches new and archaic forms of pottery for inspiration. She said that creating work for the Pennsic War allows her to perfect her talent for old-fashioned pottery, but she also hopes to develop more contemporary styles. </p><p>She will take with her more than 500 pieces in more than a dozen different designs to the event. Kennedy said she is most proud of an Arabic mold that she created for souvenir mugs that symbolize pilgrimage. </p><p>Kennedy said she doesn't stick to making exact replicas of medieval-style pottery and has more fun with her designs.</p><p>She is also a studio artist at Kentuck and will offer pottery classes in the fall through Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority.</p>